Watch the VideoAfter months of community feedback sessions, data analysis, and deliberation, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) passed the Building Brighter Futures (BBF) plan in December 2025. The stated goals of the plan are to streamline services and provide more educational opportunities, career pathways, and extracurricular activities, but do so at fewer school sites, essentially reducing looming budgetary liabilities while creating more academic opportunities. Announcements of layoffs and school consolidations, however, have met with resistance among some students, families, and teachers.
The situation Cleveland finds itself in is not unique. Across Ohio and the nation, public schools have faced decades of declining student enrollment and persistent legislative changes to funding formulas—including so-called "school choice" or "voucher" programs. Join us for an in-depth conversation about CMSD's Building Brighter Futures, the future of public schools in Cleveland, and how Cleveland's experience fits into the changing national landscape of public education.
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Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Sunday, May 10th at noon. Still need a ticket? Let us know! Complete the ticket waitlist form here. We will reach out directly if we can accommodate your request, subject to availability.
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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions for the Q&A? Text them to 330.541.5794.
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